Eye drops for dry eyes: what to look for

Look for a lubricating eye drop whose Uses section covers dryness. Quell’s reads: For use as a protectant against further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye.

Everyday reasons eyes feel dry

Screens, wind, altitude, air conditioning and central heat are the everyday culprits the home page names. Each one speeds up the loss of moisture from the surface of the eye, and screens add fewer blinks on top.

Water or oil

Most drops top up the watery layer of the tear film. Quell is designed to reinforce the oil layer above it, which is the layer that slows evaporation. The tear film’s oil layer explains the difference.

Preservative-free

If you will use drops several times a day, check for a preservative. Quell has none.

When dryness needs a doctor

Stop use and ask a doctor if you feel eye pain or changes in your vision, if irritation or redness continues, or if the condition worsens or persists for 72 hours.

What are lubricating eye drops? covers the category in more depth.